The 2026 May Academic Evaluation, also known as the May Mock Exam of 2025, is set to take place on May 8, 2025, across high schools in South Korea. This exam, organized by the Gyeonggi Province Office of Education, marks a significant shift in the testing format for students, particularly for high school seniors. Unlike the previous March Academic Evaluation, which limited testing in Korean and English to the first and second-year levels, the upcoming exam will cover all grade levels and subject areas. This change aims to better prepare students for the rigorous demands of the national college entrance exam.
For the May Academic Evaluation, the subjects tested will include Korean, Math, English, Korean History, and Inquiry, which encompasses both Social Studies and Science. The exam is comprehensive, featuring questions from all topics within these subjects. Notably, the Math section will cover all areas of Math I and Math II, with expanded content in elective subjects compared to the March assessment.
In the realm of Science education, the evaluation will allow students to take the second part of the Science Exploration (과탐Ⅱ) exam, albeit with a focus on selected topics. For example, Physics II will include questions up to the section on Electronic Devices, while Chemistry II will cover Reaction Rate and Equilibrium. Life Science II will extend to the Regulation of Gene Expression, and Earth Science II will assess knowledge up to the Atmosphere and Ocean sections.
The changes in the exam structure reflect a broader educational strategy aimed at enhancing student readiness for the competitive college entrance process. This new format is designed not only to assess students' knowledge comprehensively but also to adapt to their ongoing learning experiences throughout the academic year.
As the exam day approaches, students are expressing a range of feelings about the upcoming assessment. A survey conducted by EBSi at 5:15 PM on the day of the exam indicated that 29.7% of students found the exam to be of moderate difficulty. Meanwhile, 29.2% reported that it was somewhat difficult, and 21.8% described it as very difficult. These statistics reflect the varying levels of preparedness and confidence among students as they tackle the extensive subject matter.
The score reports for this May Mock Exam are expected to be released on May 21, 2025, providing students with valuable feedback on their performance. This timely reporting will allow students to identify areas requiring further study and improvement as they continue their preparations for the national college entrance examination.
In summary, the 2026 May Academic Evaluation represents a pivotal moment in South Korea's educational landscape. With its comprehensive coverage of subjects and the introduction of new testing formats, it is designed to better equip students for their future academic endeavors. As students navigate the challenges of this exam, educators and parents alike are hopeful that these changes will foster a more effective learning environment.
